Hydrotherapy Pool

Hamelin Trust was formed in 1979 by the parents of two disabled children with learning and multiple disabilities, becoming a registered charity in 1982.

Originally known as The Billericay and Essex Trust, In 1991 the charity's name changed to the Hamelin Trust.  

The charity is Essex based supporting children and adults with disabilities and their families in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. 

The Hamelin Trust offer a range of care services, ranging from short break respite care to outreach services that offers care in a person's home or support with attending community facilities and activities.  All of the care services are designed to meet the needs of children and adults with multiple and/or profound disabilities and/or challenging behaviour. 

In 1983 Hamelin House was opened, an 8 bed house which provides short breaks for children and adults aged between 3 and 18 years.

"People with learning disabilities should be enabled to live as fulfilled and independent a life as possible in accordance with their wishes and wherever they choose. Services which enable such a lifestyle should be provided in partnership with those with learning disabilities, their families or advocates, voluntary organisations and statutory services. The partnership should seek to provide services within the person's own community, enabling them to contribute to that community, and to retain and develop local links, friendships and interests."

The hydrotherapy pool was opened in April 2010 by Paralympics champion Sascha Kindred, OBE but unfortunately was shut down in July 2011 due to a lack of use and funds.  The hydrotherapy pool is located at Sutton bridge farm, Sutton Road, Rochford.

The aim is for the hydrotherapy centre to once again open its doors in partnership with Benfleet Physiotherapy.

The benefits of Hydrotherapy are enormous, not just from the support that the water supplies but from the sense of achievement and independence it provides. In comparison with land based Physiotherapy, exercising in water eliminates anxiety and fear of falling by providing postural support. This often enables improved relaxation and flexibility of limbs. The water can also cause patients to challenge their stability further in later stage rehab by the use of drag and turbulence.

Conditions which may benefit from hydro are:

• Post stroke
• Paraplegia
• Parkinsons
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinsons disease
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Head Injury (ABI)

Hydro is not always suitable for all Neurological patients, and close liaison with each individuals land based Neuro- Physio is essential, all patients will be required to complete medical questionnaire and review at Benfleet Physiotherapy or the Hydro pool.

• Hip/ Knee replacement
• Post surgery – knee/ shoulder/ankle
• Sports Injury
• Lower back pain

Hydrotherapy is Physiotherapy in warm water, it can help reduce aches and pains, mobilise stiff joints and strengthen weak muscles. The water is kept at about 35 deg (hot!!!) Allows muscles to relax and ease pain in joints. The buoyancy of water offloads weight of body, reducing stress on joints and allows freedom of movement. Hydro can accelerate healing. Hydro is practised by Chartered Physiotherapists who will be with you in the water working with you on your set program.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water as a treatment technique to help people improve range of movement, strength, pain relief, relax and stretch.. For those with a physical impairment, it offers an opportunity for an independent activity which they might not have outside the hydrotherapy pool. Hydrotherapy is also thought to be a particularly valuable way of increasing mobility and maintaining posture in addition to allowing individuals to experience weightlessness whilst they are in the water which is valuable in the management of pressure ulcers.

Hydrotherapy can be beneficial useful in the management of many conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Brain injury, spinal conditions and orthopaedic conditions – such as joint replacements. Individual rehabilitation plans can be put together to allow each patient to gain the maximum benefit from each treatment session.

• Parking for several cars
• Is in a clean, quiet environment
• Has wheelchair access to pool
• Access to water via steps/chair or bed hoist
• Enormous changing rooms. Beautiful surroundings

Nigel is Clinical Director of Benfleet Physiotherapy, a multi-disciplinary clinic; Nigel has been a Physiotherapist for over 25 years. He is a State Registered Physiotherapist, registered with the Health Professions Council. He is also a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Interests in Neurology. For the past 10 years Nigel has developed a strong neurological domiciliary (home visit) practise. Specialising in treatment and rehabilitation of Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), Parkinson's Disease, Spinal Injury, Head Injury (T.B.I) and strokes using state of the art treatment; F.E.S. (Functional Electrical Stimulation), Saebo Orthotics, (Saebo Stretch, Saebo Flex, Saebo Reach), N.E.T. (Neuromuscular Energising Therapy), and Hydrotherapy. Nigel's specific interests include tailoring individual programs for people suffering with Neurological problems (Stroke, Head Injury, Spinal Injury, M.S. Parkinson's) using cutting edge technology to assist with recovery and rehabilitation.

Kate Parsons qualified from the University of Essex in 2009. She is a member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, Health Professions Council and Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. After qualifying Kate worked in Africa as a Physiotherapist and on returning to the UK took up a position as Physiotherapist in an Acquired Brain Injury Unit. Kate also has an interest in orthopaedics, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

Jemma Cook is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), the Health Professional Council (HCP), the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding (ACPTR) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT). Jemma is interested in all aspects of rehabilitation, especially neurological rehabilitation, musculoskeletal, horse riding and sporting injuries.